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PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION

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PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION

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Paul Davis Restoration is multi-peril insurance repair experts in both residential and commercial properties. Since our beginnings in 1966, Paul Davis Restoration was the first network of contractors to partner with the insurance industry. Our people have extensive industry, construction and mitigation knowledge. We are a community of experts, who have come from different backgrounds rich in experience. We are licensed and our staff trained using IICRC-sanctioned restoration techniques.

Paul Davis Restoration is multi-peril insurance repair experts in both residential and commercial properties. Since our beginnings in 1966, Paul Davis Restoration was the first network of contractors to partner with the insurance industry. Our people have extensive industry, construction and mitigation knowledge. We are a community of experts, who have come from different backgrounds rich in experience. We are licensed and our staff trained using IICRC-sanctioned restoration techniques.

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

An earthquake retrofit is essential for safety in an earthquake-prone area. Without proper retrofitting, your home is at risk of sliding off the foundation, shifting, or collapsing.

You may also require a retrofit if your home was built before 1980 when building codes began requiring reinforcing, bracing, and bolting for new construction. You may not be eligible for insurance to help pay for earthquake-related damages without a retrofit.

According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.

A home with proper earthquake retrofitting can sustain minimal damage in earthquakes of up to 7.0 magnitude, although risks are higher based on how close and deep the earthquake is. A home closer to the earthquake epicenter will sustain greater damage, especially if the earthquake is closer to the surface of the Earth, but retrofitting can help minimize the risk of injuries.

First, you can expect the project to be loud. If you have pets, you might want to take them to a friend's house during the day so they are not disturbed by any of the loud noises. In addition, you’ll need to provide the retrofit team access to areas of the house that will need to be worked on, meaning you’ll need to relocate personal items, clear clutter, and make pathways for the crew. Once the project is complete, a local building inspector will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the retrofitting is up to code.

Earthquake gas shut-off valves, or seismic gas shut-off valves, are safety devices that attach to your natural gas line. When an earthquake hits, the valve automatically turns off the flow of gas. Earthquake gas shut-off valves can prevent gas leaks, which are especially dangerous after a quake due to the risk of fire and explosion.

The Buchanan, VA homeowners’ guide to earthquake retrofitting services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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